Mariann,
 
I began my blog initially as a sort of service to teachers who use the  8,000 
categorized links on my website (_http://larryferlazzo.com/english.html_ 
(http://larryferlazzo.com/english.html) ).   I just began to share the newest 
links I would add to my site.
 
It became very clear soon that my students and I were also benefiting from  
it because having the blog challenged me to seek out and be more aware of  
newer sites, especially "Web 2.0" ones, that might have potential to be used  
effectively with English Language Learners.  It also intellectually  challenged me 
to be more creative in thinking about how technology could be used  in 
education.
 
I use my blog (_http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/_ 
(http://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/) )  to share new links and how I would use or have used them with 
my students.   I also write for a group blog called In Practice 
(_http://inpractice.edublogs.org/_ (http://inpractice.edublogs.org/) )  that's shared by a 
group of teachers around the world who teach in low-income  communities.  I use 
that venue more for reflecting on my work -- primarily  (ironically enough) 
about some of the shortcomings of using tech in  education.  I feel that 
technology has its place, but also has to be kept  in its place.
 
If anyone is considering beginning a blog, I would very, very strongly  
encourage you to use Edublogs (_http://edublogs.org/_ (http://edublogs.org/) ).  
It's free, has no  ads, hosts blogs only related to education (100,000 plus so 
far), there's a  great sense of community, and has incredible technical 
support.  It's  super-easy, and you can start one in seconds.  
 
Larry Ferlazzo



**************Start the year off right.  Easy ways to stay in shape.     
http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp00300000002489
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